FAWU Supports World AIDS Day

The Food and Allied Worker`s Union (F.A.W.U.) supports World AIDS Day celebrated annually on December the 1st. South Africa has one of the highest infected population globally with an estimated 7,1 million people infected and having the largest rollout of Anti-Retroviral Treatment programmes worldwide.

It is reported that only about 60 percent of those infected, receive ARV treatment which is sad because, as we know by now, ARV treatment combined with proper healthcare and a healthy diet can assist people to live longer and more productive lives if taken as prescribed.

It is clear that much more needs to be done in terms of educating our people as the perception is still out there that the disease is a death sentence. The Stigma against those living with the disease, has to be ended and more awareness campaigns need to be held to persuade citizens to offer more support to those infected as well as their families who are also experience the stigmatisation of the disease to a great extent. Proper education about HIV-testing and the options available to those who test positive are needed.

Women and children in poorer communities are extremely vulnerable as they often do not have the courage and the resources to seek assistance in fear of victimisation by their family and the rest of the community. Infected mothers need to be made aware that their babies can be protected by proper treatment.

FAWU calls on all employers to have progressive HIV/AIDS policies available to all employees and that awareness campaigns should exist in all work places.

The fight against HIV/AIDS continues and we as FAWU will continue to pledge support for those living with the disease in our workplace and in our communities.